The Seduction of an English Scoundrel Read Free

It was the first time she had actually gotten a close look at her host, the notorious Marquess of Sedgecroft, in the flesh. All six feet and several inches of impressive flesh he was, too. She felt a little light-headed at the sight of him, or was her corset obstructing the flow of blood to her brain?
    â€œThat is Sedgecroft sitting in the front pew, isn’t it?” she whispered behind her bouquet to Caroline.
    Caroline’s delicate face darkened in distress. “Good gracious, Jane, do not look into his eyes, whatever you do. You might fall under the curse of the Boscastle Blues.”
    Jane dared another look. “Whatever are you talking about?”
    â€œIt is said,” Caroline whispered hurriedly, “that whenever a woman looks into those eyes for the first time, she is—oh, what am I saying. You already fell in love with a Boscastle, and your luck couldn’t get any worse than it is now. I am heartsick for you, Jane. I must say you are holding up admirably.”
    â€œIt is a trial, Caroline.”
    â€œIt must be. My word, three of Sedgecroft’s brothers here and a challenge has not been issued. It’s a miracle the chapel walls have not fallen down. I don’t know where one could find such a collection of imposing, troublemaking entities outside of Mount Olympus.”
    Jane smiled at that; she and her sisters all tended to wax dramatic under times of duress. Yet it was true. Most of the Boscastle brood did appear to be present for her public shaming. The four handsome men towered head and shoulders above the less physically endowed guests. Chatting and laughing at intervals, the three youngest lounged idly in their pews, while the marquess presided over them in all his leonine glory.
    She swallowed, feeling another shiver race down her spine. Sedgecroft’s entire demeanor bespoke irritation, and no wonder. He had extended his hospitality to host his cousin’s wedding, and by the look on his face, there would be the devil to pay for putting him out. Jane hoped to be hidden away before he lost his temper. She planned to make her escape as soon as possible.
    â€œDo you want me to find a vinaigrette for you?” Miranda asked in concern.
    â€œWhatever for?” Jane tore her gaze away from her intimidating golden-haired host.
    â€œYou do look a trifle faint all of a sudden,” Caroline said in sympathy.
    That would be Sedgecroft’s fault, Jane thought with a stab of annoyance. Even halfway across the chapel she could sense he was a man who would not appreciate being inconvenienced. Heaven help her if he took it upon himself to personally investigate Nigel’s disappearance, although such a measure did not seem likely.
    He appeared to have his hands full enough keeping his own clan under control. Not to mention the two very attractive women who kept whispering to him in a way that suggested a strong personal association.
    â€œSave the vinaigrette for Nigel’s mother,” she whispered, her cheeks suddenly warm at the thought of Sedgecroft and his lovers witnessing her failed wedding. “I think she’s swooned at least five times in the past hour.”
    â€œI believe she’s taking this whole disaster harder then you are, Jane,” Caroline said pensively.
    â€œJane is merely better at hiding her feelings,” Miranda whispered.
    A pall of silence fell. Jane stole another peek at Sedgecroft. He looked as restless as she felt. Then Simon asked, “Well, how much longer are we supposed to wait?”
    Jane reached down to tug the hem of her gown from beneath her father’s shoe. She felt as if she were sinking under the weight of her wedding garments. Socially speaking, of course, she was sunk.
    Probably no one who counted would want to wed her after this. Not unless she found a man brave enough to love her beyond reason. Her parents would never dare arrange another marriage. It seemed likely that they might even be afraid